The Australian Education Reporter
YMCA NSW Outdoor Education & Camping
THE YMCA NSW Outdoor Education & Camping program aims to provide unique outdoor education and camping experiences that inspire all people to be healthier and more connected to their community.
Participants in our programs gain many opportunities to experience the three pillars of the new YMCA NSW Outdoor Education & Camping Learning Framework: enhanced personal growth, strengthened sense of community, and connection with the natural world.
Each camp experience delivers on these pillars, with programs designed and facilitated for each group based on the desired learning experiences selected by the school during the planning stages.
All Y staff understand the positive impact that outdoor education and camping experiences can have on individuals and teams and work with intent to provide the best learning experience possible to all participants.
YMCA NSW outdoor education and camping programs are friendly and inclusive. All participants are welcome, diversity is embraced, and YMCA NSW staff role model positive, responsible behaviour.
Our programs cover 3 designs:
RESIDENTIAL-BASED PROGRAMS
Participants are based at Camp Yarramundi.
Each day the participants take part in programmed activities that are designed to challenge them at both a personal and group level.
The activities may include problem solving initiatives, team building, adventure activities and educational activities focused on connection to the natural world, building resilience & enhancing personal growth.
INTRODUCTION TO JOURNEY-BASED PROGRAMS
This program introduces new skills required to progress to journey-based programs.
Using site-based facilities at Camp Yarramundi and the natural bushland of Deeimba, students will learn basic camp skills including packing, meal preparation and cooking.
Students will also learn essential journey-based skills including expedition, basic rope skills and navigation with a strong focus on the connection to natural world we are working in.
JOURNEY-BASED PROGRAMS
Our journey based programs take students to the next level, with a strong emphasis on leadership, social responsibility and protecting the natural world. The journeys can involve 4 journey types;
1. Bush walking - students will have the opportunity to experience the magnificence of the Blue Mountains National Park. The walks can take students to the top of Grose Head South, with views deep into the Grose Valley and Devils Wilderness, some descend into the Blue Gum Swamp and others navigate through untracked terrain to meet with the Nepean River.
2. Canoe – Groups can find themselves exploring the Grose, Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers. They are mostly flat water with a few pebble racers for added value.
3. River walk - Students can continue their journey up the Grose River in a different style. This is a challenging walk through ankle and waist deep water with the occasional swimming hole. The walk finishes with a short ascent to the Deeimba Camp Ground.
4. Cliff-top – Students explore the cliff faces and rock formations on the Deeimba property bordering the Blue Mountains National Park. This day teaches basic roping skills, abseiling and top rope climbing.